Michael Corbisiero appointed chief of University Police Department

SUNY New Paltz is pleased to announce that Michael Corbisiero has been appointed chief of the University Police Department (UPD) effective Jan. 17, 2023.

Corbisiero has served as acting chief since July 2021, following the departure of his predecessor, Mary Ritayik. He previously held the role of deputy chief.

As chief, Corbisiero leads an accredited department of 23 sworn members and five civilian employees. UPD officers patrol the New Paltz campus 24/7/365 on foot, bicycle, ATV and motor vehicles, ensuring the safety of the community by enforcing state, county, town, village and education law with an emphasis on making each encounter an educational one.

In his time with the New Paltz UPD, Corbisiero has developed new community policing strategies such as “Brunch with the Brass” in the Peregrine Dining Hall; has emphasized training and development for officers relevant to our campus population including de-escalation, mental health emergencies, QPR, and Safe Zone training. He instituted the wearing of a UPD Pride Patch. Chief Corbisiero works with the UPD Advisory Committee and together initiated a program for body-worn cameras. He has coordinated security logistics for campus events such as Moving-In Day and Commencement; and has authored the College’s Annual Security Report, which included gathering and publishing all Clery Act reportable crimes.

“Corbisiero has proven himself as a leader and colleague and received high praise from UPD officers as acting chief. We are fortunate to have such a capable and experienced professional for this important role,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Stephanie Blaisdell, to whom the University Police Department reports.

Over a two-decade career in law enforcement, Corbisiero has worked for agencies including the New York City Police Department, the College of Southern Nevada Police Department and the Stony Brook University Police Department. He is a trained firefighter, a U.S. Navy veteran and a volunteer lacrosse coach.

The SUNY New Paltz University Police Department can be reached at any time by dialing (845) 257-2222 or by dialing 911 from any campus landline. Learn more about the University Police Department here.